The publication of a new dictionary titled The Great Passage progresses. Majime Mitsuya, originally from publisher Genbu Shobo's sales department, has been recruited by Araki Kouhei, a veteran editor of the dictionary department who is looking to retire soon. The dictionary department is known internally as the "money-eating insect," but Mitsuya uses his perseverance and attachment to the words in order to become a great editor. Mitsuya, who has poor social skills, finds himself working with another man named Nishioka Masashi, who is able to express himself better.